The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:

Human Rights Commission Recognizes
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission observes International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Thursday, March 21. It was on this day in 1960 in South Africa that 69 people were killed by law enforcement officers at a peaceful demonstration being held to oppose apartheid.

In remembrance of the origins of this terrible tragedy, the global community joins the United Nations General Assembly annually in a show of support for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting these ideals. It is an occasion for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to reaffirm their commitment to creating a diverse community, where every person is cherished and appreciated for their own unique attributes.

In this province, the Human Rights Act protects Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from discrimination based on race, colour, ethnicity or nationality, and the provisions of the act are upheld by the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. In accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the commission promotes the importance of the protection of all people from violations of their fundamental human rights, such as dignity, worth and equality.

For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca .

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Media contact:
Carey Majid, LLB
Executive Director
709-729-2709
careymajid@gov.nl.ca 

2013 03 21                             10:00 a.m.